NASA has announced the appointment of Jaclyn “Jackie” Jester as the new deputy chief of staff. This pivotal role will see her spearheading the coordination and execution of initiatives, programs, and policies for both the administrator and agency leadership. The announcement was made by Janet Petro, underscoring Jester’s extensive experience and leadership within the agency.
Jester’s appointment follows her tenure as NASA’s associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA). In this capacity, she led a team responsible for managing all communications with the U.S. Congress and served as a senior advisor on legislative matters. Her successor in OLIA, Marc Hone, will serve as acting associate administrator until a permanent replacement is named.
From Capitol Hill to NASA: Jester’s Career Trajectory
Before her current role, Jester was the senior director of government affairs at Relativity Space. There, she led the Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C., where she was instrumental in guiding policy engagement across all government branches. Her expertise in space policy issues was pivotal in formulating legislative strategies aligned with company objectives.
Jester’s career also includes significant contributions as a policy advisor in OLIA, advising NASA leadership on legislative and policy matters. Her experience extends to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she advised the director on space policy issues and served as co-chair of the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation interagency working group.
A Legacy of Legislative Expertise
From 2015 to 2019, Jester served on the majority staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her responsibilities included developing legislation and overseeing various government agencies, such as the FAA and NASA. Her portfolio focused on aviation operations, safety policy, and both civil and commercial space policy.
Jester’s legislative acumen was further honed during her time in state government as the chief legislative aide to a Massachusetts House of Representatives member. This role provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process at both state and federal levels.
Educational Foundation and Future Impact
A graduate of Boston College, Jester holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with minors in economics and international studies. Her academic background complements her extensive professional experience, equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of space policy and government affairs.
As Jester steps into her new role, her appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen NASA’s leadership team. Her blend of legislative expertise and policy acumen is expected to drive forward the agency’s ambitious goals, especially as NASA continues to expand its reach in space exploration and technology development.
Janet Petro’s endorsement of Jester’s capabilities is a testament to her readiness to embrace the challenges ahead. As NASA looks to the future, Jester’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the agency’s trajectory and ensuring its continued success in the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration.
